Books about conservation for children aged 5+

A cute but rather badly behaved little orangutan has appeared in a little girl’s bedroom. Rang-Tan explains that there are humans in her forest, destroying trees. A helpful picture book for introducing this issue to children. 

The great beauty and diversity of the coral reef is explored in this stunningly beautiful picture book, which is a true work of art. The rhyming non-fiction text scans well and the information about coral reef conservation is pitched at the right level.

This fabulous lift-the-flap book subtly encourages everyone to plant lots of bee-friendly flowers and is a fun-filled introduction to conservation for young children.

Poppy loves listening to her grandpa’s stories of the wildlife that used to make his farm their home – but modern farming techniques and pesticides have made it impossible for them to survive there. Poppy learns all about rewilding and decides to bring nature back to the farm.

This wonderful picture book highlights the work of David Attenborough, a national treasure, and carries an important message about rewilding and conservation.  

In the twentieth century, conservationists began to understand ecosystems, and scientists started to think about ways that humans could fix the problems that they had created. New technologies can help humans, as well as working with the indigenous communities who have always known how to work with and not against nature.

Young nature-lovers Ebony and Jay are Eco Rangers, protecting wildlife at their local conservation centre. After a terrible bushfire they rescue an injured possum – and when they discover evidence of people camping in the area, they’re determined to uncover the truth about the bushfire. This thrilling adventure is perfect for budding conservation enthusiasts.

Can Idris and Lucía help find the zoo’s missing pangolins? A fun spy adventure with themes of conservation and endangered species.

Orphan Agnes is flabbergasted to find a shrew in a safari suit sitting on her bed one afternoon. He informs Agnes that she has been selected as a field agent for the covert organisation SPEARS, the Society for the Protection of Endangered and Awesomely Rare Species Can she rise to the challenge? Fast-paced and funny, this entertaining eco-chapter book with attractive, two-tone illustrations is ideal for young new readers with an interest in nature.

When Tilly wins a competition to help protect red pandas in Nepal, she finds herself riding a yak, looking at poo, and outwitting poachers to save a pregnant red panda. The mix of engaging adventure and cute animals, along with the many illustrations, will appeal hugely to young readers. 

This illustrated non-fiction book takes the reader on a journey of discovery around the globe, identifying animals who are under threat from dangers such as habitat loss, climate change and hunting. 

Based on a true story, this stunning graphic novel follows Chang as she fights to protect her local forests and wildlife, and rewild a young sun bear, Sorya, who was captured by poachers as a cub.